Now I would like to say I read this in 2022 and it was my favourite book ever. I haven’t read it since and will definitely reread due to how long it’s been

Don’t Hate the Player is a cute, easy read with a charming premise, but it didn’t fully stand out for me. Jack and Elliot’s grumpy–sunshine dynamic is enjoyable, and there are definitely some sweet moments as their rivalry softens into something more. The soccer setting adds a fun touch, and the slow-burn romance has a few genuinely heartfelt scenes.

However, the story sometimes feels a little predictable, and the character development could’ve gone deeper — especially for Elliot, whose emotional walls are interesting but not always explored as much as they could be. The pacing is also uneven in places, with some chapters dragging while others move too quickly.

Still, it’s a solid, wholesome romance with likable characters and a comforting vibe. Not a favourite, but a pleasant read overall.

Literally pointless to the first story